Course coordinator
Professor Mingxing Zhang
Please email Professor Zhang to arrange a consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Materials Characterization provides unique tools for understanding the materials and their demonstrated properties. Materials Characterization techniques, such as x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, allow detailed structural, chemical, and morphological characteristics of materials to be determined, which has become essential tools for materials research and their productions. By corelating the determined structural and chemical characteristics of a material with its fabrication/processing, the formation mechanism of the material can be clarified. This is vital for developing new material systems, and for identifying problems in the production lines. On the other hand, the correlation of the determined structural and chemical characteristics of a material with its demonstrated properties allows the material's structure-property link to be built, which is critically important for understanding the origin of the properties. For this reason, demand for learning various materials characterization techniques have increased sharply in the recent decades.
With the rapid development of materials for their advanced applications, understanding the micro- and nano-structures of materials becomes critical for understanding the material’s properties and fabrication methods. This knowledge is essential for the design and development of future materials. This postgraduate course will provide students with advanced knowledge on a range of materials characterisation instruments and associated techniques.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
University Physics and Chemistry, as well as general a knowledge of Materials Science.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Teaching associate
Dr Bobbie Sutton
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to:ﾠﾠ
(1)ﾠﾠﾠprovide students with aﾠdeep understandingﾠof advanced material characterization techniques, with a focus on X-ray crystallography/diffraction/spectroscopy, electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as other advanced characterization techniques;ﾠand
(2)ﾠﾠﾠdevelop students' practical skills in selecting the best characterization tools to determine the structural characteristics of target material system(s), and in scientific writing and presentation.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of characterization - Select the most appropriate characterization techniques (diffraction, microscopy and spectroscopy) to perform high-level materials characterization tasks
LO2.
Demonstrate an understanding of characterization - Demonstrate expertise in operating characterization instruments for securing the best possible data
LO3.
Demonstrate an understanding of characterization - Design experimental approach(es) to comprehensively determine the morphological, structural and chemical characteristics of complex materials tasks, in which multiple instruments and techniques may be employed
LO4.
Perform diffraction characterizations skillfully - Describe crystal structures professionally by effective structure indexing
LO5.
Perform diffraction characterizations skillfully - Estimate the microstructure features of materials based on X-ray diffraction data
LO6.
Perform diffraction characterizations skillfully - Employ the electron diffraction technique to identify crystal structures
LO7.
Perform diffraction characterizations skillfully - Identify the nature of crystals by modeling crystal structures and indexing electron diffraction patterns
LO8.
Perform diffraction characterizations skillfully - Design diffraction experiments to effectively determine the structural characterisation of materials
LO9.
Execute microscopic characterizations proficiently - Apply scanning electron microscopic techniques to determine the morphological characteristics of materials
LO10.
Execute microscopic characterizations proficiently - Employ transmission electron microscopic techniques to determine the structural characteristics of materials
LO11.
Execute microscopic characterizations proficiently - Determine the structural and chemical characteristics of materials using scanning transmission electron microscopy
LO12.
Execute microscopic characterizations proficiently - Design microscopic experiments to effectively clarify the microstructures of materials
LO13.
Implement spectroscopic characterizations expertly - Employ the X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the chemical characteristics of materials
LO14.
Implement spectroscopic characterizations expertly - Establish the bonding and chemical characteristics of materials using electron energy loss spectroscopy
LO15.
Implement spectroscopic characterizations expertly - Determine the bonding and chemical characteristics of material surfaces using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence
LO16.
Implement spectroscopic characterizations expertly - Understand the principles and applications of other advanced characterisation techniques, such as Auger electron spectroscopy and secondary-ion mass spectroscopy
LO17.
Implement spectroscopic characterizations expertly - Design spectroscopic experiments to effectively determine the bonding and chemical characteristics of materials and/or their surfaces
LO18.
Communicate professionally - Employ the norms of the discipline to describe the outcomes of experimental investigations and other explorations into materials characterization
LO19.
Communicate professionally - Present research outcomes by critically evaluating and logically presenting the relevant tasks
LO20.
Communicate professionally - Contribute to team work in practical groups through data analysis and materials characterization.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Problem based learning | 25% |
Crystal structure (5%) 9/08/2024 2:00 pm Diffraction (5%) 23/08/2024 2:00 pm Indexing of electron diffraction patterns (5%) 30/08/2024 2:00 pm Crystal structure modelling (5%) 13/09/2024 2:00 pm XPS (5%) 11/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Experimental Design of Materials Characterisation | 10% |
30/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Materials characterisation | 20% |
14/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Problem based learning
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Crystal structure (5%) 9/08/2024 2:00 pm
Diffraction (5%) 23/08/2024 2:00 pm
Indexing of electron diffraction patterns (5%) 30/08/2024 2:00 pm
Crystal structure modelling (5%) 13/09/2024 2:00 pm
XPS (5%) 11/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05, L06, L07, L15
Task description
Throughout the course, students will complete five tutorial exercises in Weeks 3, 5, 6, 7 and 11. Each exercise is worth 5 marks in the final mark. Each exercise contains a set of questions and students need to apply the knowledge learnt from the lectures to provide the best solutions to the questions. Students' answers will be marked based on the correctness.
Week 3: Crystal structure
Students will apply the learned knowledge from Lecture 3 and analyse given problems to provide the best solutions.
Week 5: Diffraction
Students will apply the learned knowledge from Lectures 3 and 4 and analyse given problems to provide the best solutions.
Week 6: Indexing of electron diffraction patterns
Students will apply the fundamental knowledge of electron diffraction, combined with knowledge of the forbidden rule of reflections and relationships between atomic planes and zone-axis, and analyse given questions to correctly index electron diffraction patterns.
Week 7: Crystal structure modelling (due in Week 8)
In this practical, students will build the structural models of 7 material systems, in which students are required to provide their bonding natures.
Week 11: XPS
Students will apply the learnt knowledge from Lecture 10 and analyse given problems to provide the best solutions. The task is divided into 5 stages, namely:
Stage 1 – XPS examination of the surface coating of the ‘as-received’ Stock Nanomaterial.
Stage 2 – XPS examination of the Stock Nanomaterial after Piranha Treatment to clean and hydroxylate the surface in preparation for the attachment on the initiator.
Stage 3 – XPS examination of the stock Nanomaterial after attachment of the initiator.
Stage 4 – XPS examination the monomer OEGMA – Oligo Ethylene Glycol MethAcrylate.
Stage 5 – XPS examination after the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisation to produce the Poly OEGMA ‘brush’.
Submission guidelines
Answers to the questions in weeks 3, 5, 6 and 11 must be submitted at the end of tutorial session. Solutions from the crystal structure modelling in Week 7 must be submitted by 14:00, Friday, 13/9/2024 (in Week 8). This means that students have one week to complete the modelling work. This work must be submitted through TurnItIn.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Experimental Design of Materials Characterisation
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
30/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L08, L13
Task description
In this task, each student will act as a researcher to design effective material characterization methods to explore the insight of microstructural features of an additively manufactured (3D printed) high strength 2024 aluminum alloy.
Students are required to design/select proper materials characterization experiment and techniques/methods to achieve the following four tasks. Each task is worth 25 marks.
- To check whether the inoculation treatment of the 2024 powder with 1.0wt%Ti nanoparticles has fully converted the columnar grains into equiaxed grains in the 3D printed samples and to confirm whether the grains have been refined.
- To clarify which isotope of Al3Ti, D022-Al3Ti or L12-Al3Ti, formed in the 3D printed alloy that was inoculation treated with Ti.
- To investigate the distribution of the Al3Ti particles (within the grains or along the grain boundaries), and to verify whether such Al3Ti particles acted as the nulceant for a-Al (they are acted as heterogenous nucleation sites promoting nucleation and leading to grain refinement and converting from columnar grains to equiaxed grains). Generally, if a particle acts as a nucleant, it should be within the grain (not on grain boundaries) and there is a particular OR between the particle and the grain. Hence, it is necessary to experimentally determine the OR(s) between the Al3Ti and the α-Al matric to achieve this task. It is required to specify how and/OR can be determined.
- To characterize the fracture surfaces of the tensile test samples after the test has been done (samples are broken) to investigate the difference of the fracture (ductile dimples or brittle cleavage fracture) between the 3D printed samples with and without inoculation treatment.
For each specific task, students should:
- select the most suitable instruments; (5 marks)
- design/choose the best technique with that chosen instrument; (10 marks)
- clearly justify why this instrument and this technique are used. (10 marks)
For the purpose of confirmation, students are allowed to choose up to two instruments and/or techniques for a particular task.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension for submission is subject to the school's approval with acceptable reasons.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Materials characterisation
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L09, L11, L13, L18, L19, L20
Task description
In this project, students will gain practical experience in comprehensively performing advanced characterisation of an unknown material by characterizing it using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques, namely secondary electrons (SE), backscattered electrons (BSE), and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In this Practical, 4 alloys (namely 1090 plain carbon steel, 431 martensitic stainless steel, Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and FeNiCrMo eutectic high entropy alloy) will be investigated. Students will be divided into four groups, and each group will be given two samples of the same alloy.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
Based on the obtained experimental results and critical analysis, students are required to determine the nature of your samples and draw comprehensive conclusions of experimental finding.
Please note: Although the practical will be done in groups, students MUST write individual reports. This means that students write the reports by their own using the results from the group practical.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18
Task description
Problems related to the entire course will need to be solved. This is a open book exam.
A minimum achievement of 40% in the Final Exam is required to receive a passing grade for the course.
Hurdle requirements
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through obtaining at least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Materials | Any additional written or printed material is permitted; material may also be annotated. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall grade |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall grade 30.0 to 44.99%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45-49.99% or less that 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. Overall grade 50-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Overall grade 75- 84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. Overall grade 85 - 100% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
Additional course grading information
Grading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
Identity verified assessment
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through obtaining at least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.
Students much obtain at least 40% in the final exam to receive a passing grade or higher.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students can access the required UQ Laboratory Induction information on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Introduction and Electron Optics Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Structure of SEM/TEM instruments Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Practical |
Operation of SEM and TEM Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are unique characterisation tools to comprehensively determine the morphological, structural, chemical characteristics of materials. In this live demonstration, students will gain the knowledge of structures of both SEM and TEM, as well as practical experience on the operating SEM and TEM instruments, in which how the instrumental parameters influence the obtained data (imaging, spectroscopy and diffraction) will be demonstrated. This practical knowledge is critical for researchers and engineers, as well as technicians to efficiently select the best possible instrument, the best possible technique, and best instrumentation conditions for gaining the best possible data. LABORATORY DEMOSTRATION Demonstration of scanning electron microscope (two FE-SEMs) (Time: 12:00 – 14:00) In this SEM demonstration, students will learn · Structure of SEM instrument · SEM specimens · Introduction of three key detectors o Secondary electrons (SE) o Backscattered electrons (BSE), and o X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) · Introduction of SEM’s variables: accelerating voltage, spot size, aperture, focusing, working distance, as well as magnification · SEM operations
TEM demonstration of transmission electron microscope (two H7700s) (Time: 14:00 – 16:00) In this TEM demonstration, students will learn · Structure of TEM instrument · TEM specimens and TEM specimen holder (double tilt) and specimen size (lateral and thickness), demonstrate the specimen loading into TEM · Introduction of TEM’s control panel (e.g. spot size, focusing, changing magnification, switch between diffraction/image modes) · Demonstration of TEM operations o Basic alignment, including adjust the specimen height, centering the condenser apertures, …. o Switch between diffraction/image modes o Functions of the spot size and three apertures o Demonstrate contrast change while tilting specimens under bright-field imaging and diffraction modes o Tilt specimen to the simple zone axis in the diffraction mode o Demonstrate bright-field/dark field, and phase contrast (parallel beam) o Demonstrate EDS collection (spectrum and image) and presentation (focused beam)
Students will be divided into two group at lecture time in Week 1, Group 1 and Group 2. 12:00 – 14:00: Two parallel SEM demonstrations will be run in UQ CMM at Hawken Building for the two groups. Demonstrators are: Ron and Heike 14:00 – 16:00: Two parallel TEM demonstrations will be run in UQ CMM at AIBN Building for the two groups. Demonstrators are: Olexandra and Joseph
External students will watch video recording to complete this practical. Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Crystal structure Learning outcomes: L04 |
Problem-based learning |
PBL1 - Crystal structure Students will solve questions associated with crystal structure. Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Fundamental of diffraction and X-ray diffraction Learning outcomes: L05 |
Problem-based learning |
PBL2 - Fundamental of diffraction and X-ray diffraction Students will solve questions associated with fundamental of diffraction and X-ray diffraction. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Electron diffraction and its applications Learning outcomes: L06 |
Problem-based learning |
PBL3 - Indexing of electron diffraction patterns Students will gain practical experience in indexing electron diffraction patterns Learning outcomes: L06, L07 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Problem-based learning |
Crystal structure modelling Students will build crystal structure of a set of common crystals Learning outcomes: L07 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Specimen preparation for TEM Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Principle of SEM and its applications Learning outcomes: L09, L11, L13 |
Practical |
P1 - X-ray diffraction Students will be guided in obtaining X-ray diffraction patterns of given alloys and will determine their phases. Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L08, L12, L19, L20 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
TEM imaging techniques and applications Learning outcomes: L10 |
Practical |
P2 - SEM imaging Students will be guided in obtaining SEM images of given alloys and will determine their morphological characteristics. Learning outcomes: L03, L08, L09, L12, L19, L20 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Analytical TEM (EDS, EELS and STEM) Learning outcomes: L13, L14 |
Practical |
P3 - SEM spectroscopy (EDS) Students will be guided in obtaining SEM spectra of given alloys and will determine their compositional characteristics. Learning outcomes: L03, L08, L12, L13, L19, L20 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
X-ray PE spectroscopy/Fluorescence Learning outcomes: L15, L17 |
Problem-based learning |
PBL4 - X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Students will gain practical experience in analyzing and evaluating XPS data. Learning outcomes: L15 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Aberration-corrected S/TEM Learning outcomes: L16, L17 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Other materials characterization techniques Learning outcomes: L16, L17, L18 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.